Expression of VEGF₁₆₅b, VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and CD34 in benign and malignant tumors of parotid glands.

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor and could be involved in the pathogenesis of salivary gland tumors. VEGF exerts its biological function by binding to its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. An alternative splice variant of VEGF (VEGFxxxb) is an anti-angiogenic factor.